Day 6: Climb to Karanga Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

After breakfast, one of the biggest challenges for our climbers begins. They’ll climb up and over the Great Barranco Wall. Getting to the top of it will take 1 to 2 hours. After the wall, climbers will cross a barren and rocky plateau with views of Kibo and three glaciers before descending into Karanga Camp. As they cross the plateau on a trail of gravel and sand, climbers will pass streams and giant boulders for 2 to 3 hours. As they walk into camp, they have a good view of tomorrow’s route. They’ll get to camp by lunch. But this short day is planned for resting which helps with acclimatization.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 12,900 feet | Ascend 14,000 feet to the top of Baranco Wall

Ending elevation 13,300 feet at Karanga Camp

Net elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 3 miles

Average hiking time 4 to 6 hours

Day Four is in the books.

We had a great day today.

The views were scenic as we walked above the clouds and got ever-so-closer to the summit. Today’s climb involved the much-hyped rock wall, which we conquered at a steady but strong pace. While the altitude undoubtedly affects all at this elevation, the team is doing great and we are well positioned to summit without major incident.

After the climb, the team retired to camp and enjoyed sharing popcorn and stories.

A phenomenal sunset ensued.

We then enjoyed a great dinner of cucumber soup and potatoes with beef and vegetable stew. As a special surprise, there was birthday cake, a bottle of champagne, and birthday serenades delivered by the amazing porters for Adair and Frank’s belated birthdays.

Great day overall.

~Gill Clements